Okemo Mountain Resort is an iconic name in the snow world on the east coast. Okemo is known for having the tallest vertical drop in Vermont, the best snow in the east and the biggest halfpipe in New England! The Resort is operated by the Vail Resorts Management Company and gives you the luxurious feel of a big mountain without leaving New England.
Here we’ll give you the scoop on Okemo Mountain Resort and what you need to know before you go.
Highlights of Okemo Mountain Resort
Measuring 3,244 feet at the summit, Okemo Mountain boasts the highest vertical drop in Vermont of 2,200 feet. That’s a lot of gnar to shred! Okemo is full of intermediate and beginner terrain as well as some of the biggest and best terrain parks. A vast trail network that spans five different areas of the mountain, excellent snowmaking and premier lodging, great bars and restaurants…
What more could you want? Some detailed highlights of Okemo Mountain Resort include:
- 121 trails and glades
- 20 lifts
- Base elevation of 1,144 feet
- Summit elevation of 3,344 feet
- Average annual snowfall: 200 inches
- 632 skiable acres
Where is Okemo Mountain Resort?
Okemo Mountain Resort is located just outside the gorgeous Green Mountain National Forest in Ludlow, Vermont. A bit more tucked up north than other southern Vermont mountains like Stratton, Magic and Mt. Snow, Okemo is also one of Vermont’s larger mountain resorts. With two base areas and over 120 trails, it is worth the slightly longer drive. Okemo Mountain Resort is about 4.5 hours and 239 miles from New York City. Other distances include:
- Boston, MA – 3 hours, 140 miles
- Burlington, VT – 2 hours and 15 minutes, 100 miles
- Albany, NY – 2 hours, 90 miles
- Concord, NH – 1 hour and 50 minutes, 75 miles
- Portland, ME – 3 hours and 30 minutes, 180 miles
- Montreal, Quebec – 4 hours, 325 kilometers
Does Okemo Mountain Resort Have Lodging?
Absolutely! Okemo Mountain Resort lodging has everything you could ask for! Okemo Mountain Resort has a great selection of lodging from hotel-style stays as well as signature properties like condominiums and townhouses. The condos and townhomes offer spectacular mountain views as well as space and privacy. There are also great rental properties all over the mountain.
For those who like more hotel-style accommodations, the Okemo Mountain Resort hotels include The Mountain Lodge at Okemo, The Jackson Gore Inn and the Adams and Bixby Houses.
When staying at The Jackson Gore Inn, Okemo Mountain Resort you can truly relax with ski in/ski out access, a hot tub, swimming pool and great food from the Coleman Brook Tavern!
There are also many hotels near Okemo Mountain Resort in the town of Ludlow, Vermont. For a quaint Vermont farmhouse type stay be sure to check out the Pettigrew Inn and the Governor’s Inn, just a few minutes drive from the mountain.
For a more hip hotel-style stay, don’t miss Main + Mountain Bar & Motel located less than a mile from Okemo Mountain Resort.
Does Okemo Mountain Resort Have Night Skiing?
At Okemo, the last chair of the day is at 4:00pm so there is no night skiing. With so much to explore during the day you’ll be excited to rest in the afternoon with a snack or drink at one of the many eateries at the Clock Tower and Jackson Gore base areas.
The Best Time to Visit Okemo Mountain
Okemo is a great destination regardless of the season. The best of New England hiking, biking, skiing, and snowboarding are all just steps away at Okemo. Summer and winter are definitely the high seasons. In winter, because of its great snow and location, Okemo can get very crowded! Although there are many lifts and areas to explore, lift lines at peak times can be very long.
For a less crowded experience try skiing midweek or in the early morning when the snow is the freshest.
Peak Seeker Pro Tip: For most activities (including dining) you can make reservations online that will save you lots of time on the mountain! Lift tickets, rentals, lessons and even dining can be reserved up to 6 days in advance via the Okemo website! Plan ahead and save yourself some wait time! If you don’t reserve online, ticket counters open 30 minutes before the first chairlift.
Does Okemo Have a Ski Shop?
You bet! Okemo has various shops throughout the mountain that supply skiers and riders with all the necessary goods- and the not so necessary too. Mountain Outfitters at Jackson Gore is stocked full of top-of-the-line clothing. Here you will find extra layers, sweatshirts and base layers as well as mittens and gloves. Okemo Made is where you can find souvenirs for the whole family- yourself included! This is the official Okemo apparel and gear shop with all things Okemo!
Finally, the Snowsports Shop is your go-to for ski and snowboard gear, goggles, helmets and demo center. The Snowsports Shop is where you can find the latest in ski and snowboard equipment, jackets, helmets, poles, – everything you need to get on the snow! You can also demo the newest technology in skis and snowboards and try before you decide to invest in new skis or a new board.
Looking to rent some equipment at Okemo Mountain Resort? Head over to the Clocktower Rental Center. Okemo Mountain Resort rentals are state of the art and they offer various types of gear for every type of skier or rider. Never been on snow before? Don’t worry! The experts at the Clocktower Rental Center have got you covered. Are you a true shredder and want more responsive equipment? The Clocktower Rental Center has got you covered also.
Peak Seeker Pro Tip: When renting equipment be sure to secure your reservation and your equipment in advance online! This way you’ll be stress-free upon your arrival to the mountain.
Terrain Parks at Okemo Mountain Resort
Okemo is known for being home to the East Coast’s longest superpipe and is also home to many awesome parks! Skiers and riders of all abilities will find something fun to play with at Okemo! The parks are designed so that the unique features flow from one to another and to provide opportunities for creative skiing and riding for all levels. There are 6 major parks at Okemo.
The smaller parks with smaller and medium features include Robbin’s Nest and Hot Dog Hill. Next up are the Tomahawk Terrain Park and The Zone with larger features for more experienced riders. Finally, the OMS Crazy Train Park and the Okemo Halfpipe are sure to quench the thirst of any advanced skier or rider! The parks are constantly being redesigned so every visit to Okemo will be full of surprises! Be sure to check the park reports to see what’s open and what’s new.
Fun Fact: Okemo boasts Vermont’s only ski-through-covered bridge on the Vermont Adventure Run as part of Hot Dog Hill.
Is Okemo a Good Mountain for Beginners?
Okemo is an excellent mountain for beginners! It is a bit larger than other southern Vermont resorts and full of beginner and intermediate runs! Most of the lower mountain is full of blue square and green circle trails and there are also some great cruisers from the top! Take a ride on Upper Mountain Road for a long cruise with excellent views!
In addition to their even distribution of trail difficulty, the ski and ride school at Okemo is another reason that it’s a great mountain for beginners. Okemo offers lessons for adults and children alike for all levels! You can choose between group and private lessons with some of the best, most passionate instructors in the country!
Does Okemo Mountain Resort Make Snow?
Absolutely! Okemo Mountain Resort makes snow on 98% of its terrain, making it one of the top mountains for snowmaking in the East. In addition to its annual snowfall of 200 inches per year, its snowmaking technology makes sure that the trails at Okemo are always blanketed in a fresh layer of powder!
Pro Tip: Check out the Okemo website for live updates on Okemo Mountain Resort weather as well as snow reports, Okemo Mountain Resort photos and even mountain cams.
Trails at Okemo- What to Know
There are 121 trails over 632 acres serviced by 20 lifts at Okemo Mountain Resort. The breakdown is as follows:
- 33% beginner terrain (green circle)
- 38% intermediate (blue square)
- 21% advanced (black diamond)
- 9% expert only (double black diamond)
Most expert-only trails are located on the south face which is the highest and most difficult peak at Okemo Mountain Resort.
Key Takeaway: Okemo has a very balanced mix of terrain making it an excellent mountain for all levels and abilities. There are plenty of beginner trails from the summit such as Upper Mountain Road and Dream Weaver.
Other Winter Activities at Okemo Mountain
In addition to some of the best skiing and snowboarding on the east coast, Okemo Mountain Resort also offers a variety of winter activities such as snow tubing and ice skating! Not to mention the Timber Ripper Coaster which takes you on an exhilarating ride through the alpine forest around Okemo’s Jackson Gore base. The sleds of the coaster can reach speeds of up to 25 mph!!
And don’t forget about Okemo Mountain Resort dining! Okemo has delicious dining options at both its base areas. Ranging from cafe-type breakfasts and lunches to cafeteria-style self-serve as well as full-serviced restaurants and bars, and even food trucks! If one thing is certain, at Okemo, great food abounds!
Is There Summer Mountain Biking at Okemo?
Yes, the Evolution Bike Park is Okemo’s signature bike park with lift-serviced downhill mountain biking on the lower half of the mountain. The Evolution Bike Park is serviced by the South Ridge Quad and is full of naturally undulating terrain perfect for all types of mountain bikes and riders. Beginners can find fun progression while more experienced riders can also find their lines. In addition, Okemo Mountain Resort also has a full bike shop where you can rent the best full-suspension downhill mountain bikes.
New to mountain biking? Okemo offers bike camps every year for progression and learning new skills for adults and kids alike! Okemo Mountain Resort definitely has one of the best networks of summer mountain bike trails in Vermont! And what makes Okemo special is the convenience of bike rentals on-site as well as lift service up the mountain! If you like mountain biking or are interested in trying it, be sure to check out Okemo in the summer months!
Conclusion
No matter the season, Okemo is like a magic word between skiers and riders of the east coast. It is one of New England’s biggest mountain resorts and it literally has everything.
With premier lodging, a wide variety of terrain and terrain parks, every skier and rider will be entertained! With two main base areas there is so much to explore and so much snow to carve! Visitors can expect the quality of a Vail Resort with a lot of Vermont charm.
